MUSIC
Bonus Playlist - 80’s Romantic Hits
Do you ever find yourself belting out Sinead O’Conner’s Nothing Compares to You in your car only to realize what you’re doing and feel completely embarrassed that you know all the words? Do you often do a drum solo on your grocery cart handle to Don’t Get Me Wrong by the Pretenders? Well I certainly do and I realized the other day that 80’s hits are everywhere and yet we’re never conscious of them. Forever and always playing in the background on the easy listening station at the dentist, as theme songs for commercials or in coffee shops, 80’s jams are the songs we hate to love and love to hate. So, I’m dedicating a second playlist this week to the hits of the John Huges movies, big hair, and shoulder pads.
1. Once in a Lifetime - Talking Heads
2. Missing You - John Waite (but also the Tina Turner version is amazing)
3. Crazy for You - Madonna
4. Hold Me Now - The Thompson Twins
5. Against All Odds - Phil Collins
6. It Must Have Been Love - Roxette
7. I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight - Cutting Crew
8. Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler
9. In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
10. Keep On Loving You - REO Speedwagon
11. Bette David Eyes - Kim Carnes
12. What’s Love Got to do With it - Tina Turner
13. Your Love - The Outfield (Ultimate frat-star anthem)
14. Don’t You Want Me - The Human League
15. All Night Long - Lionel Richie
Best, Lauren
On a side note, this is an amazing song that I just can’t stop listening to:
Elenore—The Turtles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-LJ9sjJuig
- September 15, 2010 11:26 pm
Playlist of the Week-Soundtracks
Putting a film to music is nothing short of an art form, and I am always in awe of those who do it successfully. So, this week, I decided to focus on music from soundtracks. Not scores, per se, but songs that I heard in movies and felt compelled to immediately Google and listen to over and over again. Without the placement in films, I may have never heard them to begin with!
1. Lovefool (The Cardigans) from Romeo and Juliet (1996)
Anyone around for Leonardo DiCaprio’s heyday during the mid to late ’90s will remember his gorgeousness in this film. This contemporary take on Shakespeare’s play heavily featured popular songs of the time (as all of the dialogue was in Old English). Swedish band The Cardigan’s Lovefool was an anthem, and is still a favorite of mine today. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=594WLzzb3JI)
2. Dry the Rain (The Beta Band) from High Fidelity (2000)
To use the jargon of the film, this would definitely be in my “Top Five” favorite movie list. In the movie, the protagonist Rob (John Cusack) plays this song in his record store, and then declares that he will immediately sell many copies of the album. He sold me on this song… (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsbR2dEmHGc)
3. Where Do You Go To [My Lovely] (Peter Sarstedt) from The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Wes Anderson’s films are always excellently put to music, and this one is no exception. I was introduced to this awesome jaunty song which I haven’t stopped listening to since… (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_dduKiZb6w)
4. Tea for Two (Mambo All-Stars) from Mambo Kings (1992)I remember watching this film when I was just a little kid, and my dad and I used to dance around the kitchen to this. Great soundtrack! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj4IPeyHiEU&p=EDBF78B01C0D9A46&playnext=1&index=10)
5. Band of Gold (Freda Payne) from Now and Then (1995)This song features significantly in this awesome girl cult movie. This is a great throwback song. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF9Q3hnAr88)
6. Hotel California (Gypsy Kings) from The Big Lebowski (1998)
The Big Lebowski is one of my favorite movies ever. And the humor of this song in relation to Jesus (played by John Turturro) especially when the Eagles (who originally played Hotel California) are played on the radio and pooh poohed by The Dude is magical. ohmygodwatchitrightnow. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J01dhoKKhWg)
7. If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It) (ACDC) from Empire Records (1995)
It seems like so many of these movies are from the 1990s! Anyway, Empire Records is another awesome movie, and all about music. Unsurprisingly, it has a great soundtrack, and when the cast performs this song, it kicks it up a notch. And, ACDC rocks. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UPw4f1oN7g&ob=av3n)
8. My Generation (The Who) from Pirate Radio (2009)
I don’t really understand why this AMAZING movie got mixed reviews. I absolutely love this movie and the soundtrack is wonderful and includes so many great ’60s tunes. GO SEE IT and then bop around to this suhweet song by The Who. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=594WLzzb3JI)
9. Heart of Mine (Peter Salett) from Keeping the Faith (2000)
This movie, although good, isn’t anything amazing. However, I really really like this song and DEFINITELY would never have heard it otherwise….ENJOY! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5zMNhM4olY)
10. Limelight (Rush) from I Love You, Man (2009)
I just watched this hilarious movie again and given that the two main characters are obsessed with Rush, this song is a central part of it. Anyway, really like this song and the movie. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwXjnVICb3I)
ENJOY!Leah
- September 7, 2010 8:50 pm
Playlist of the Week-Vive La France!
As a French major, the mellifluous and seductive language is very close to my heart. French artists have always had a place in popular music, and today, many of their oeuvres are, in fact, in English. So here’s a few of my favorites!
1. J’ai Deux Amours-Madeleine Peyroux This classic French song (a favorite of my grandfather, who originally studied French in Bombay in the Thirties!) is just so beautiful (and all in French!) Madeleine Peyroux (who although American spent some of her childhood in Paris) does a beautiful rendition of this great tune. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-UxDgy2lV8 —alas, couldn’t find an official video!
2. À Cause des Garçons-Yelle For poppy and fun, Yelle can’t be beat. So much so, that I included two of her songs in this playlist! This song is just great, and the title translates to “Because of Boys”. It has some great remixes too. Perfect for dancing and fun! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDUAnhtt1xM)
3. Caroline-MC Solaar MC Solaar is undoubtedly the most famous French rapper worldwide. This song is just..well..great. Also, I love “La Belle et Le Bad Boy”, but this is a lesser known but still awesome jam. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjELabiPItw)
4. Something about Us-Daft Punk A list of great French music would be incomplete without a mention of duo extraordinaire Daft Punk. I’ve been listening to this song a lot lately, and I like to think of it as an electro-ballad (yes, I did just say that…) Apart from being a truly great song, the video is, unsurprisingly, really cool. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOS9aOIXPEk&ob=av2n)
5. Surfing on a Rocket In addition to Daft Punk, Air has been another enormously successful French duo. Their electronic style has evolved into many different incarnations throughout their 15 year career. This song, is an all-time favorite, and it means a lot to me. Also, Kelly Watch the Stars and Sexy Boy are incredible. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr4fP9A3Oi0&ob=av2e)
6. Tu Es Beau-Yelle Although I try not to duplicate artists in playlists, Yelle is just…so…splendid. Her style is really distinctive and the combination of her poppy voice with the electronic background music gets me every time. Enjoy! And listen to more Yelle! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d7JNW6fcJw) —Unfortunately couldn’t find the original video!
7. La Vague À L’Arme-FFF One of the most important 21st Century French films is entitled La Haine (Hate) and represented the gang subculture in France in the 1990s.
It is one of my absolute favorite movies, and should be watched immediately. The film also catapulted French Hip Hop to a more global level, and this is a great song from the soundtrack.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp6UMDjYZk0)8. Armistice-Phoenix I know Lauren and I seem to put Phoenix on every playlist, but we can’t help it, we love them! This is my current favorite. People often don’t realize that Phoenix are, in fact, a French band, perhaps because all their popularized music is in English. Anyway, this is a really really great song, and the lead-up first few bars are unbelievable. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojaF2OpCmmk)
9. Tout le Bonheur du Monde-Sinsemilia This song is so light-hearted and fun. I first heard it many years ago, and have been listening to it since! Enjoy. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1H_UxE60xE)
10. L’Autre Valse d’Amelie-Yann Tiersen I decided to end with something which seemed so quintessentially French to me: the theme of the 2001 film Amélie. I saw this movie in theaters, and have probably seen it four to five times a year ever since. I own it. I have an Amélie poster. I spent a semester in Paris. You get the connection. Anyway, I love Yann Tiersen’s wonderful score, and this song particularly reminds me of adorable Audrey Tatou running around Montmartre committing her good deeds. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcmktJEKCvE)
Amusez-vous bien!
Bisous,
Leah
- August 31, 2010 10:25 pm
Musical Mamas
PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK!
Trends in music come and go, but song titles inspired by special ladies have been, and will always be a part of music, as long as love plays a role in the creative process.
So, in honor of the many women (both real and imagined) who have impacted musical artists, I give you a playlist showing the pervasiveness of this phenomenon.
1. Santa Maria de la Feira — Devendra Banhart
I love this song, especially the combination of Devendra’s completely unique voice, and the wonderful background guitar. Also the chorus starting with “ladidadidadidadi” is great. Gracias Santa Maria! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqpHtGevRqw )
2. Visions of Johanna — Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan provides us with a wealth of songs about women (Girl from the North Country, Lay Lady Lay, etc) but Visions of Johanna is a classic. Give it a listen. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azot-L3rEu4)
3. Maria —Blondie
I’ve never really listened to Blondie, but since hearing this tune a long time ago, I’ve always highly enjoyed it. It’s intense, and got a great beat and wonderful drums. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoOG7LEyUJ0)
4. Pretty Mary Kay—Elliott Smith
I’m a huge Elliott Smith fan, and this is an absolute favorite. He has such a beautiful voice and this song is hauntingly gorgeous. And yes, I just used that phrase. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfo2ifhO1zE (live version))
5. Sexy Sadie—The Beatles
Few playlists would be complete without a song from the Beatles, especially if the tunes are inspired by love or ladiez. So I included two, and Sexy Sadie is a lesser known but wonderful song. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSDFkjwMwes)
6. Bonita Applebum— Tribe Called Quest
I don’t think Bonita Applebum is a real person (unfortunately) but this song is sii-iick. Bonita Applebum’s got it goin on. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46c8AqzjLCg )
7. Jesse’s Girl — Rick Springfield
Although a specific girl’s name isn’t in the title of this song, this is such a fun song. And it makes me think of two things: 1. Rick Springfield in Californication 2. The Cornell Cayuga’s Waiters rendition of this song. Which I adore… (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2T7wKdQsTo) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBzMkKZ0x_k (Cayuga’s Waiters Version)
8. Roxanne-The Police
This was an obvious choice for any playlist based on women’s first names. As I child, I was told (by my brothers) that the song was about “the woman who changes the traffic lights”. Gives new meaning to putting on the red light…hmmm (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Qad-gaHMg)
9. Ms Jackson — Outkast
I love Outkast, and they are, in my opinion, highly underrated. However, this song received enormous attention, and remains a classic. So….listen to it again. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCwHfGdt4Ig)
10. Michelle— The Beatles
Although I already did another Beatles song, this is such a beautiful song. And its in French! (well some of it…) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWVKQoRXhk)
Enjoy! Leah
Playlist of the Week - Big Drums (August 24, 2010)
I recently watched the “roc-doc” It Might Get Loud with my family. The movie individually chronicles the life stories and careers of three incredible yet different guitarists, The Edge from U2, Jimmy Page from Led Zepplin, and Jack White from the White stripes. I realize after reading that statement that you may stop and say, ‘well why are you writing about music with big drums?’ Good question. As is often true, great guitar solos exist in conjunction with great drum pieces. In one of my favorite scenes, Jimmy Page recounts the story of recording with Zepplin at Headley Grange when the band placed the drums in the stairwell of the three floor atrium to record “When the Levee Breaks.” This story, and this song got me thinking about all the other songs I love that make you want to playing the drums on your steering-wheel or walk with particular rhythm down the street in your own private musical.
1. When the Levee Breaks - Led Zepplin: Obviously my number one choice for this list. Every song listed below has undoubtedly been effected by this first choice.
2. No Reply at All - Genesis: As with almost all other Genesis songs, this song always puts me in a good mood.
3. In My Place - Coldplay: I’ve had the opportunity to go to a couple live Coldplay shows and the sheer volume of noise their drums produce always amazes me.
4. Smells like Teen Spirit - Nirvana: I went through an odd Nirvana phase for about a month last year. I think I may have been too young at the actual time of Nirvana to appreciate it. Anyways, the guitar + drum combination in this song is about as 90’s grunge as it gets for me.
5. Lasso - Phoenix: Okay, I know Leah and I are always talking-up Phoenix. However, the drums in this song are really just that good.
6. Suzanne - Weezer: Throwback…still so good.
7. Message in a Bottle - The Police: I suppose The Police are traditionally known for Sting and their use of the electric base. But, I love this song for the drums.
8. 40 Day Dream - Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zero’s: I realize the percussion in this song is a mixture of drums, clapping, stomping feet, and more. However, it’s still a great organic beat that I just love.
9. The Girl You Lost to Cocaine - Sia: Unexpected use of intense drums from Sia but I like it nonetheless.
10. Everlasting Light - The Black Keys: This entire album has great drums on it but this song catches you right away with them.
Best, Lauren
So, I’ve mentioned this awesome band before, but give them a listen. They are called “He’s My Brother She’s My Sister”, and this song, “How’m I gonna get back home tonight” is one of my summer jams. They’re comprised of singing siblings, a tap dancer and a cellist. Oh, and the handsome cellist is my brother!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=METcWKbEQD4
Playlist of the week- August 10th, 2010
It seems every radio station or music tv show loves to reference “throwbacks”. So what is a “throwback”? I’m not sure of the technical definition, but for me, it represents music from the not so recent past which evokes some sort of feeling of nostalgia. Although I wasn’t alive for the heyday of some of these songs, and the last track “Sunshine” by de la Soul found me at the mature age of 8, I really enjoy these songs, the which span 1980 to 1996.
1. You Make My Dreams Come True- Hall and Oates (1980) This song has found yet more success in the recent film 500 days of Summer, which makes it undeniably hip, (and me undeniably unoriginal). However, it’s a great tune, perfect for driving or dancing your caboose off.
2. Genius of Love- The Tom Tom Club (1981) I recently heard this on the radio while in LA, and fell in love with its fun poppy ’80s sound, and it kind of reminded me of one of my favorite bands, Discovery. Does the video remind anyone else of Rocco’s Modern World?
3. P.Y.T-Michael Jackson (1983) No playlist of the 1980s would be complete without a song from music icon Michael Jackson. This is a favorite of mine; especially to dance to. Sadly, my moves are lacking compared to MJ BUT A GIRL CAN DREAM, OKAY?
4. Tarzan Boy-Baltimora (1985) Oh my gaaaaaah, I really love this song. The strong beat combined with the modern yodeling (?) vocals is awesome. LISTEN TO IT IMMEDIATELY and watch the video because its an absolute trip.
5. Girls-Beastie Boys (1986) I really enjoy the electronics beat in this song. The message isn’t one I’d necessarily promote, but I love the Beastie Boys…and this song makes people at parties happy.
6. All That She Wants-Ace of Base (1993) A throwback mix isn’t complete with some Ace of Base, and this song (which I’ve always loved) was recently re-brought to my attention as my brother’s amazing band “He’s My Brother She’s My Sister” (check them out!) do a great cover of this which unfortunately isn’t available online yet…
7. Walking on Broken Glass-Annie Lennox (1994) So I’m convinced I remember this song when it came out in England, which is surprising because I was only six years old and about to move to the States. In any case the beginning always holds a special emotional moment for me (don’t ask me why) and Lennox’s voice is great. So’s the video…
8. Juicy- Notorious B.I.G. (1994) This is actually one of my absolute favorite songs ever. I know every word, and don’t ask me to perform it to you because I will. I recently learned that Biggie initially wasn’t a fan of the sample on this track, but ultimately it has become hugely popular, and its not hard to see why. (play this at a party, everyone will like you…)
9. Waterfalls-TLC (1995) Crazysexycool is one of my favorite all time albums, and Waterfalls was a huge hit off the record. This song is timeless, in my opinion, and the beat is incredible. (so is Left Eye’s Rap). go on, listen to this, you and I both know you want to…
10. Sunshine-de La Soul (1996) The verses on this song are unbelievable, and this track off Stakes is High is just an example of why de La Soul (and the music of the 1990s) is so great.
ENJOY!
Leah
Playlist of the Week- August 2nd, 2010 Playlist of the Week - Lolla Sampler
Drum roll pleeeeaassseee! This week two very exciting things are happening. The first, Lollapalooza is this weekend! The second, Leah and I will officially be in the same place, at the same time, for an entire week! Commence blogging extravaganza!
In anticipation of these momentous events, I have decided to do a playlist of the week featuring songs by bands we are planning to see at Lolla. It’s proving to be a great lineup this year.
Phoenix - Lisztomania: I know this song has been in like every commercial and in soo may shows for the better part of the last year. But, it makes me want to bop uncontrollably every time I hear it.
The XX - Islands: I first heard this song on an Australian boutique’s blog that a friend of mine turned me on to (http://tuchuzymag.blogspot.com/). Great clothes and even better music.
Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan: This entire album was soo good. Can’t wait to see them!
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home: This song particularly reminds me of this summer. It’s odd but I love it. The end monologue is also quirky yet sweet. Hear they are amazing live.
Dawes - The Western Skyline: These guys have been touring with Edward Sharpe this summer opening for them. They are really indie folk which isn’t always everyone’s bag. However you can tell these guys are excellent musicians as the songs are really raw and hardly produced. I love them.
The Morning Benders - Excuses: Great city (Big Echo). Another band that I am just beginning to adore.
Yeasayer - Tightrope: played this song a ton while I was in Rome.
Spoon - I Summon You: Spoon has definitely improved in my book in the last year or so.
Stay tuned for delicious meals and great photos of all the events of this upcoming week! Lots of music, food porn, clothes, pictures and more to come.
Best, Lauren
Playlist of the Week-July 20th, 2010
Guess what time it is? Playlist of the week time!
This week I decided to focus on cover songs. Enjoy!
1. “I Want You Back” —This oldie (by the Jackson 5) but awesome-y has a great cover by the electronica band Discovery. I’ve loved the original version forever, though.
2. “Please Mr. Postman” —Although Beatles songs are frequently covered, this was actually originally a Marvelettes song and later covered by the Fab 5. Listen when wearing fringe.
3. “I WiIl Survive”—As a hip 6th grader, I repeatedly listened to the Cake version of this, on their album Fashion Nugget, before I ever heard the original sung by Gloria Gaynor, and later, every girl at Karaoke…always
4. “The Man I Love” —I’m sure there are many versions of this Gershwin Jazz song, but the ones by ’50s guitarist Django Reinhardt and legend Billie Holiday are my favorites.
5. “The Light”—These two songs just happen to have the same name, and I love both of them, so I thought I’d sneak them in. One is by Cunninlynguists and the other by Common. Both amazing, and the violin sample in the Cunninlynguists version is killer.
6. “We didn’t start the Fire”—This may be the cheesiest thing I’ve ever done, but the Cornell Cayuga’s Waiters acapella group has taken on this Billy Joel classic in “We didn’t go to Harvard”. Here come the waves of college nostalgia…
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” —This is a great Beatles song from the Get Back(Let It Be) sessions, with a version by 1970s Ghanaian singer Charlotte Dada. The story of how I found this song is odd and worth sharing. I was at our neighborhood cheese shop with my dad a few years ago, and his cashier friend randomly told us he was thrilled because he had found a song online he’d been looking for forever…This Charlotte Dada song was it, and he emailed it to me and I’ve been listening to it ever since!
8. “Sexual Healing”—The original by Marin Gaye is obviously a classic, but I really enjoy the Ben Harper version also.
9. “Let It Be”—Another Beatles song (but there are so many incredible ones to choose from!) So this isn’t necessarily a cover, but Dyme Def’s sped up (albeit slightly racoony) usage of the original is a great hook for a great song.
10. “Every Breath You Take”—This classic Police song was famously recreated in Puff Daddy (not P.Diddy) and the Family’s “I’ll be Missing You” which, incidentally, I’ve been listening to constantly the last few months..
Shmappy Shlistening,
Leah
Sheryl Crow - 100 Miles from Memphis - Sideways
July 20th, 2010
Yes, I will stand up and say it; I am a Sheryl Crow fan. No, I will not be attending Lillith Fair this year (I know…it’s back). I bring this up because her new album 100 Miles from Memphis came out today. Although Leah and I vowed this would be a space for musical reviews and recommendations of the more edgy sort, I feel a few quick comments need to be made about Ms. Crows newest album in order for me to feel right (blogs are for the cathartic purpose of just writing for writing right?).
I, for the large part, agree with most other reviews I have seen thus far today. One commentator on iTunes even put it so lovingly that this is the sound of an artist that doesn’t HAVE to work anymore. Crows last two albums, this and Detours, have been very different from what she is known for and what her fans are used to leading to the uproar witnessed today. However, I feel that Crow is a good person; she’s extremely philanthropic, she survived cancer, and adopted a baby son from some distant impoverished country. All these details compounded together make me want to like her music and definitely like her.
This being said, one song from 100 Miles from Memphis needs no cajoling for me to absolutely adore it and should be paid some attention. Crow has remade the song “Sideways” originally done by the band Citizen Cope. In retrospect this song should have made my list of top ten songs (let’s not even go into the pressure of having to make a list of top favorites for anything and the inextricable guilt that sets in once you discovered you have left out a REAL favorite). Sideways has excellent guitar work, vocals, and soul which I really loved from the moment I first heard it. Adding Sheryl Crows voice in combination with Greenwoods was just another welcome addition to an already hugely enjoyable song. I suggest you take a listen. The original may be more to your liking (I think it still may be to mine) but I am thrilled to have found this remake on Crows newest CD. It is it’s saving grace in my opinion.
Don’t worry Sheryl Crow lovers; we’ll always have C’mon C’mon, Wildflower, and Sheryl Crow (self titled).
Alright that’s enough “throwing myself under the bus for having no musical taste” for one day.
Best, Lauren
Playlist of the Week-July 12th, 2010
1. You’re So Vain-Carly Simon
This song just randomly came into my head and I revisited it on youtube. It’s a bit slow starting up I think, but it’s not a cult classic for no reason. And the lyrics are priceless…
2. Oooh- De La Soul
This is a perfect summer song, so chill and fun. Not to mention the first line is “Party People your dreams have now been fulfilled So get your ass up and let’s get ill”…
3. Turn My Swag On- Soulja Boy
Okay, so I don’t want to like this song and I don’t want to blast it in the car constantly…But I do. It’s catchy and fun and the music video should be satire but isn’t…
4. Rome-Phoenix
This is undoubtedly my favorite Phoenix song of the moment and I’ve been listening to it repeatedly because Lauren and I will be seeing Phoenix perform live at Lollapalooza!
5. Let’s Twist Again-Chubby Checker
Whether you like it or not, this song just starts the party. Everyone knows it, everyone loves it, and the twist is definitely a dance move that should be revisited.
6. Hold Yuh Remix (reggae version)-Gyptian feat. Nikki Minaj
So I’ve been listening to the radio a lot lately, go figure. Anyway this song is just lovely for driving, hanging and getting in touch with your inner Dancehall-er.
7. Chan Chan-Buena Vista Social Club
I absolutely love Buena Vista Social Club. I started listening to them at a very young age (circa 6th grade) and haven’t looked back since! Anyway, this is the IDEAL album to cook to. Seriously, it’s perfect, and relaxed and makes you want to roam the streets of Havana…or eat a Cuban sandwich.
8. Valerie-Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse
The combo of Amy’s soulful voice and Mark Ronson’s awesome beats is absolutely electric (at the risk of sounding like a music geek…) I got into this song a few summers ago, and its just a wonderful fun party song. It’s a cover of The Zutons’ “Valerie” which is originally partly from Steve Winwood’s older song. I love Amy.
9. So Insane- Discovery
This song is a great example of why Discovery is so awesome. The chorus in this song is incredible and so catchy, and I love the mix of vocals and electronic background. Listen to this song while you’re lying out in the sun…
10. Be Free (remix) - Cunninlynguists
I had the immense good fortune of being able to be onstage with Cunninlynguists when they performed this song, and I was the creepy girl who knew all the words. They are one of my favorite Hip Hop groups and this song (with its Beatles like beginning) is just so relaxing and awesome. Perfect for a stroll in the sunlight
Lauren’s Picks (sorry there is no abbreviation of persimmon that goes with the word “picks”):
11. In a Manner of Speaking - Nouvelle Vague
First heard this song in the end credits of the movie “A Mighty Heart” about the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl. It was the perfect song for that movie and for so many other situations. Superbly haunting and French. I love it.
12. Cocaine - Eric Clapton
This song is just so damn good. Perfect for getting ready to go out, driving, doing nothing, and so much more.
13. Can You Tell - Ra Ra Riot
I essentially played this album to death last spring in Rome. However, I have a particular love for this song.
14. You’re Just Too Good to be True - Lauryn Hill
My mom recently sent me an interview with Lauryn Hill from NPR. I have basically been playing The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill since that day. This song is always good.
15. Umi Says (Zero 7 Mix) - Mos Def
Don’t know where or how I found this version of this song but it’s great. Listening to it ever since.
16. Silent Treatment - The Roots
This song never gets old.
17. Slow Life (with Victoria Legrand) - Grizzly Bear
Okay so I realize this song is from the New Moon soundtrack…BUT, it’s still excellent and a very different song for Grizzly Bear.
18. Best I Ever Had - Drake
No explanation I can think of here.
19. Inside and Out - Fiest
Bee Gee’s remake done right.
20. What’s Love Got to do With it - Tina Turner
First concert I ever went to (fourth grade). Those legs…that hair! What’s not to like?
